Instinct 2 - Standard Edition vs Garmin Forerunner 165
Side-by-side on the specs that matter, with category winners and an opinionated take to help you decide.
This is a choice between Garmin's outdoor-ready durability and a more modern, accessible daily running watch.
Pick Instinct 2 - Standard Edition if you need a rugged, monochrome watch for tough outdoor adventures and extreme conditions.
Pick Garmin Forerunner 165 if you want a color touchscreen and a more focused feature set for daily training and road running.
- —Instinct 2 has a tougher, lighter case but uses a simpler monochrome display.
- —Forerunner 165 offers a modern color touchscreen and likely more running-specific metrics.
- —Instinct 2 prioritizes extreme battery life and durability over a polished smartwatch feel.
Full specs
Ask anything — we'll answer with Instinct 2 - Standard Edition and Garmin Forerunner 165 in mind.
Pindear may earn a commission when you buy through these links. Winners are determined by numeric spec comparisons only; non-numeric features (app quality, ecosystem, real-world feel) are covered in the verdict.